.jpg) Cyclone Olaf near peak intensity on February 16 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | February 10, 2005 |
| Extratropical | February 20, 2005 |
| Dissipated | February 25, 2005 |
| Category 5 severe tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (FMS) | |
| Highest winds | 215 km/h (130 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 915 hPa (mbar); 27.02 inHg |
| Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 270 km/h (165 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 892 hPa (mbar); 26.34 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | None |
| Missing | 2 |
| Damage | $10 million |
| Areas affected | American Samoa, Samoa, Cook Islands |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2004–05 South Pacific cyclone season | |
Severe Tropical Cyclone Olaf was the sixth cyclone to form in the Southwest Pacific Ocean during the 2004–05 South Pacific cyclone season. Olaf was also one of three simultaneous cyclones to form during the 2004–05 season, forming 21 hours after Cyclone Nancy formed to the east. A powerful Category 5 cyclone, Olaf stuck American Samoa causing heavy damage although exact estimates are unknown. Despite the damage, there were no reported deaths or injuries from the cyclone. Olaf was third South Pacific cyclone to hit the Cook Islands during the 2004–05 season (the other two being Meena and Nancy), and Cyclone Percy would later affect the already devastated archipelago less than 2 weeks later.